Keystone Little League
Tee Ball Rules
Spring Season
Goal
The Tee Ball (co-ed) division is an important part of the Keystone Little League program. Its goal is to create and emphasize a positive experience for 4, 5 and 6 year old players at this level. Coaches should use positive reinforcement to develop basic baseball fundamentals and above all to ensure that the kid’s introduction into organized baseball is FUN! Although there is a tendency to keep score, there are NO recorded Wins or Losses at this level. Accordingly, coaches are prohibited from keeping score.
Game Length and Defensive Play
The game length will be no more than 1 hour 30 minutes or three (3) innings whichever comes first. Each half inning will end when either (1) three outs are recorded or (2) all players on the teams have batted. In the event a half-inning is completed by recording (3) outs, the batting order will resume with the player who follows the last recorded out. There will be no forfeits in Tee-Ball. Players may be borrowed from the opposing team as necessary.
Player Roster
Each attending player shall bat each inning (continuous batting order) and play every inning in the field. The pitching position must be rotated among a different player every inning. A player may play one inning maximum at pitcher and one inning maximum at first base. Only one player shall occupy a given position in the infield during play. Additional players will be positioned in the outfield. The catcher takes his normal position (this is optional). An adult shall be beside the catcher to place the ball on the tee for a batter as needed. The catcher must wear protective gear which includes a helmet, face mask, throat guard, leg guards, and chest protector. The remaining roster players will play in the field. Each player shall play an infield position at least one inning per game. All defensive players shall remain at their position in the field until the last batter reaches home plate.
Batting
The coach or manager of the team at bat shall deliver up to 5 pitches per batter. There are no strikeouts or walks. If after 5 pitches the batter has not put the ball in play he shall hit the ball from the Tee. The ball shall be live after it is hit into fair territory. Batter/Runner may advance 1 base on a batted ball that remains in the infield – if not put out. If batted ball reaches the outfield, the play shall remain live until the ball is returned to the infield AND the ball is possessed by a defensive player in the infield. The ball shall be considered dead when it reaches the baseline between first base and second base or the baseline between second base and third base. Once the ball is judged dead play will stop. Any runners still advancing to a base may continue to that base if they have advanced at least half way to that base. If the runner is not half way to the next base, then he must return to the previous base. Runners may not advance on an overthrow.
Base Stealing and Sliding
Leading off base, stealing bases and intentionally bunting are not permitted. Head first sliding is also not permitted. Any runner is out when the runner does not slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. If the umpire determines that the runner deliberately attempted to injure the fielder, the umpire could eject the runner for unsportsmanlike conduct. Similarly infielders including the pitcher and catcher cannot block a base or home plate if they do not have the ball and/or are not in the process of making a tag.
On-field Coaches
The offensive team shall station two coaches on the field during play, one occupying the first base coach’s box and one occupying the third base coach’s box. A third offensive coach is allowed on the field when they are pitching. All other offensive coaches must be in the dugout during play. At least one coach (or team mom) must be in the dugout at all times. The defensive team may station up to four coaches (official coaches and/or approved volunteers) in the field. Defensive coaches stationed in the dugout must remain in the dugout at all times unless time is out. All managers, coaches, and approved volunteers must wear their lanyards for the duration of the game.
Game Preparation
The home team is responsible for bringing the Tee and lining the field. Both teams shall fill in holes in the batters box, water the field as necessary, and drag the field at the completion of the game.
Post-Game Duties
Teams must ensure that their dugout and bleacher area are cleaned up after the game. Home team should rake out high traffic areas.
If you are holding a player meeting after the game, please clear your dugout and move outside the field of play for your meeting - if there is another game scheduled after your game.